WELSH PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW

10 December 2004 16:23

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Llanelli go to Llanharan for a Saturday evening game, which on form should go to the men in red, but coach Dennis John will be hoping that his fit, young side can snatch a rare win. A Llanelli victory can bring them level at the top on 42 points. However, Neath are already 24 tries ahead of the Scarlets.

Ebbw Vale will be trying to avoid passive scrums when they entertain Swansea with Jason Williams having last week become the first man to reach 3.000 league points in a career when his 16 against Carmarthen Quins took him to 3,003 while Byron Hayward, his club colleague, has already overhauled Neil Jenkins into second place.

Cross Keys return to action in a derby against Pontypool, while a rejuvenated Newbridge after coach Mike Watkins cracked the whip, travel to meet an Aberavon side that has won six successive matches under new coaches Kevin Hopkins and Mark ones, both former Wales teammates.

Carmarthen Quins, who have lost four of their last five outings, take on Pontypridd, who gained a good 36-22 win over Cardiff last Saturday and Bedwas look for only their second home win of the season as they entertain a slightly off-colour Llandovery.

In the final match, Newport face bottom club Caerphilly at Rodney Parade. Odds are very much on the third-placed Black and Ambers, but it was only a few seasons ago that they lost five successive matches to Caerphilly

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will create history in the opening round of the NatWest 6 Nations clash at Stade de France where France face Ireland, when he surpasses the previous record of 17 Six Nations matches held by Alain Rolland and Jonathan Kaplan, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was in a positive frame of mind at today's NatWest 6 Nations launch but admitted the opening clash in Cardiff was a 'massive' game as everyone is talking about the rise of Scotland.